Thursday, 13 February 2014

Last Years Onions

Hung up in the shed, the onions have lasted well.

I've just brought the last bunch into the house this weekend.

Suspended from a hook by their plaits (good practise with two young girls (the plaiting - not suspending them from their plaits!)) I doubt they would have lasted so long if this winter hadn't been so mild. The shed isn't insulated so when it gets really cold so does everything in there (although it does give a bit of protection). I made sure I checked them regularly so any that are starting to deteriorate got used up first and they were above the chicken corn so I could see them everyday.

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I know I'm always asking questions about how to store food, but what method works best for storing onions? I know some fellow bloggers will have a lot of onions left that will store for a good while yet and I plan to plant a lot more this year do storage will be key.

Glad some fo the willow has taken - cut some off next year and your'll be able to plant more cuttings. I wasn't sure what size ones would be best for cuttings so it's a good job you had a selection! Overthere you could store your food in a zeer!

My big problem with storing vegetables in our root cellar is that mice get into them. I need screen cages to put things in it seems. Hey I like that saw, looks like the kind that you can put a second handle on top. Mine is similar but has drag teeth.

I'd love a root cellar! One day that might happen but it's so wet here waterproofing would be a huge problem. As for the saw it's one you commented on some time ago on my other blog (a year and a half ago - time sure does fly!) it's never made it into the house!

We freeze a lot of our onions Kev. We just peel them and chop them and place just enough for one meal and drop them in a freezer or carrier bag. We have had no electricity for over 24 hours. The meat and vegetables look ok. Even the pump that runs our well runs off electricity. We seem to be totally reliant on electricity. Can't wait to get back on the plot.

Oneday maybe we can get off mains electric but not for a good few years yet!We had a power cut a few years ago that lasted a couple fo days and everything was fine, the less you can open the freezer the better as it keeps the cold air in. As for freezing them our freezer is full of bread at the moment to keep us going through the week without having to do a midweek shop!

I leave them to dry on slats in the greenhouse for quite a while, rub off all dirt and loose skin then store in net bags hung from shed roof. The shed is just wood so not that warm. They usually keep ok as long as I've sorted them well at the beginning and used any iffy ones first. Tip out sacks once during winter and sort out, just take indoors a few at a time.

I thought you'd be a good one to ask! Net bags sound like a good idea. I'll look out for some for this years harvest! iffy ones can be used for chutneys and things as well (so long as you cut off the bad) and I guess thats a way of preserveing them really.

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About Me

I'm trying to live as Self sufficiently and contained as possible. From growing our own food, raising some of our own meat and earning a living from my hands.
I work as a carpenter and I'm passionate about woodwork, traditional crafts and trying to learn as much as I can about them through doing.
I strongly believe in family and family values and I love a more traditional way of life.